PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
GBJ 9 Broad Street Glens Falls, NY 12801
VOL. 35 NO. 06
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
AUGUST 2023
Adirondack Balloon Festival Will Celebrate Some Officials Confident Essity Workers Will Its 50th Anniversary In September Find Employment As Company Closes Shop
A record number of balloons in special shapes are expected to be at this year’s Adirondack Balloon Festival, which is marking its 50th anniversary from Sept. 20-24. BY PAUL POST A downtown parade, evening gala and record number of high-flying special shapes are among the events in store for people at this year’s Adirondack Balloon Festival and its 50th anniversary celebration. The five-day event, slated for Sept. 20-25, gives a boost to the local economy by generating thousands of overnight stays, creating a bonanza for hotels, restaurants and retail shops in addition to state and county coffers, which collect related sales tax. Founded by the late Walt and Joan Grishkot, this is the East Coast’s largest balloon festival, attracting people from throughout the U.S. and overseas, and third largest in the entire country behind only events held in Albuquerque and Reno. In keeping with the Grishkots’ wishes, the
Paul Post
Adirondack Balloon Festival is organized and run strictly by volunteers and is entirely commercial free. There is no admission charge for any of the six flights or moonglow activities, all held weather permitting. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the absolute minimum economic impact from this festival is $5 million to $10 million annually,” said Mark Donahue, balloon festival board president. “Last year the moonglow was picked up by the Associated Press. That went national and international. We couldn’t pay for that publicity.” In addition, thousands of people per day see banners and huge photos promoting the festival at John F. Kennedy Airport and Penn Station in New York City. “TD Bank puts our schedule of events in every branch all the way down to Florida,” Donahue Continued On Page 9
Essity paper company unexpectedly shuttered its South Glens Falls mill in July and plans to close a Greenwich converting facility and Saratoga Springs warehouse-distribution center this fall. BY PAUL POST State and local officials say the region’s strong economy should be able to absorb the 300 people forced out of work by Essity paper company’s sudden exodus from New York state. The Sweden-based company unexpectedly shuttered its large South Glens Falls mill on July 20 and plans call for closing a Greenwich converting facility and Saratoga Springs warehouse-distribution center this fall. Meanwhile, the union representing the workforce is urging the company to change its mind and not close operations. Essity is the area’s second large heavy industrial employer to shut down this year as Lehigh Cement, less than a mile away, is in the process of leaving, too. The fate
Glens Falls Business Journal
of two large old mills is a major concern as potential public safety hazards if they can’t be repurposed or new buyers found. Parts of Essity date back to 1864. “I don’t think having an empty shell of an industrial plant is a good idea,” said state Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “The good news is that our employment situation is very strong. We have many unfilled jobs in a variety of different industries. But that said, you want to make sure you aren’t leaving an eyesore in a community that perhaps becomes an environmental nuisance. There’s still a lot of questions about what condition they’re (Essity) going to leave the buildings in and what can be done with them going forward.” Company spokesperson Joanna Ford Continued On Page 16
Queensbury Business Sells Velotric E-Bikes Tri-County United Way Saw Contributions That Help Riders Manage Difficult Slopes Increase By Some 23 Percent This Fiscal Year BY PAUL POST John Jacobs has just the thing for Baby Boomer cycling enthusiasts who find uphill climbs a bit more daunting than they used to be. Velotric e-bikes allow people to keep pedaling their way to health and fitness with help from modern technology that takes the strain off tired muscles and achy joints. Inside Edge in Queensbury has three different models that have been leaving the store as quickly as Jacobs can stock them, he said. “I had no expectation that we’d be selling these as fast as we have,” he said. “A lot of ‘snowbirds’ with second homes up here have been coming in. They live up around North Creek where there’s hilly terrain. They like to ride, but they’re getting older. These bikes are all designed to assist you. What they really do is smooth out the hills. It allows you to go somewhere fairly quickly, still getting some exercise but not struggling against a big headwind or steep hill. You’re going to go right through.” Jacobs is director of sales and development for Inside Edge’s parent company, Reliable Racing Supply, an industry leader in ski racing equipment founded by his late father, Tom, a 1952 Winter Olympian and National Skiing Hall of Fame member. The company currently offers three different ebike models. They are the Discover 1 (26-inch wheel),
John Jacobs owns Inside Edge that sells three different models of Velotric e-bikes. Paul Post
the Nomad 1 (26-inch fat tire) and the T1 ST (700 centimeter wheel) urban commuter. All three models are available in step-through and step-over frame designs. Continued On Page 6
The Tri-County United Way announced that its allocations fund to support for partner agencies throughout Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties experienced a significant 23 percent increase this year Tri-County United Way’s Allocation Committee will use those funds to help support agencies in 2024. The committee includes local community leaders who reside and work within the communities Tri-County United Way supports. After weeks of thorough review, including onsite interviews and program presentations, these individuals determine how funds raised by the organization are allocated to local partner agencies. Kristin Chlopecki, executive director of TriCounty United Way, and Rebecca Wood board chairperson, emphasized the importance of these allocations in ensuring the sustainability of the services provided by these organizations. “Tri-County United Way is dedicated to providing support to diverse community service organizations that offer a broad spectrum of assistance to individuals, families, and groups,” said Chlopecki. “In pursuit of our mission, we understand that a unified fundraising campaign is the most effective approach to generate funds
for the agencies involved. We are excited to see a 23% increase in allocation funds, especially during our 100th year anniversary, that addresses the community’s most prominent needs.” “It is incredibly rewarding to see our community come together through the Tri-County United Way Allocations Committee,” said Wood, Board. “Local business leaders have joined forces with our funded agencies to learn about the amazing work being done daily. The ability to fund each agency with over 20 percent more than last year is something we should all be very proud of in this financial climate. It is a true testament to this area and our people.” Tri-County United Way expressed gratitude to the local agencies, businesses and donors, acknowledging their donations and highlighting their significant role in creating a better living environment for everyone. The agency remains committed to providing support and funds year after year. The organization continues to work in partnership with the compassionate strength of local agencies and businesses to help promote greater welfare for all. Officials said the increase in allocation funds signifies a milestone for Tri-County United Way as the organization celebrates its 100-year anniversary.